Chapter 8: Technological Advancements

Chapter 8: Technological Advancements

Next day morning Jack, Zheng, Len, and Jie gathered around the central table, their faces a mix of exhaustion and determination after yesterday's intense training session.

Jack cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "I've got an announcement," he began, his eyes bright with excitement. "Last night, while browsing the God Sphere, I found something that could be a game-changer for us."

The others leaned in, curiosity piqued.

"It's an advanced 3D printer," Jack continued, "from a futuristic movie setting. This isn't just any printer – it comes with an assembly machine. We can produce almost anything with the right blueprint, and the machine will put it together for us."

Len's eyebrows shot up. "Anything? Like what?"

"Guns, armor, clothing, shoes, helmets – you name it," Jack replied. "All we need are the blueprints and raw materials, which are surprisingly cheap in the 4th category."

Jie nodded thoughtfully. "That could be incredibly useful. What's the catch?"

"It costs 500 points," Jack admitted. "I can put in 100, but I was hoping we could all contribute. I checked with the Light Sphere – we can transfer points between us if we're willing."

A moment of silence fell over the group as they considered the proposition.

Zheng was the first to speak up. "I'm in. This could give us a significant advantage."

Len and Jie quickly agreed, and soon they had pooled their points to make the purchase. As the transaction completed, a sleek, futuristic machine materialized in the corner of the room.

"Now for the blueprints," Jack said, pulling up the God Sphere interface. They quickly selected designs for an automatic MP5, Desert Eagle revolver, and various types of ammunition. Carbon fiber for armor and materials for masks and helmets were added to their cart as well.

Jack's clone stepped forward. "I'll take charge of the 3D printer," he offered. "The rest of you should continue your training."

As the others headed off to the training room, the clone set to work, familiarizing himself with the printer's controls.

The morning passed in a blur of gunshots, hand-to-hand combat practice, and the whir of the 3D printer. When they broke for lunch, anticipation hung heavy in the air.

Upon their return, they found two gleaming Desert Eagle revolvers waiting for them.

Jie picked one up, turning it over in his hands. "Impressive," he murmured. "Let's test them out."

They trooped down to the firing range, where Jie put the newly-printed revolvers through their paces. The crack of gunfire echoed off the walls as he emptied both clips into the targets.

"They're working just fine," Jie announced, a note of approval in his voice.

Back upstairs, they gathered around the printer to plan their next moves.

"We should prioritize," Jack suggested. "I'm thinking four Desert Eagle revolvers, four MP5 semi-automatic rifles, four sets of carbon fiber armor, and five or six gas masks."

The others nodded in agreement, and Jack's clone set to work programming the next batch of items.

As production continued, Jack retreated to a quiet corner to work on his chakra control. He sat cross-legged on the floor, a leaf balanced precariously on his forehead. His brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to maintain a steady flow of chakra.

Despite his focus on chakra, Jack couldn't help but consider the challenges ahead. He knew that in the next scenario, his newfound chakra abilities might not be of much use. The guns they were producing would likely be more practical.

A thought struck him – for maximum damage, a shotgun could be invaluable. He made a mental note to discuss adding one to their arsenal.

As the day wore on, Jack became acutely aware of his dwindling point balance. The 3D printer and blueprints had been a significant investment, leaving him with almost nothing to spare.

He leaned back against the wall, the leaf falling forgotten from his forehead. How could he increase his points? What essential things could he focus on to build up his reserves again?

As Jack pondered the problem of his dwindling points, an idea began to take shape. He called the group together, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

"I think I have a solution to our point shortage," he began, looking around at his teammates. "Remember what Jie told us about revisiting previous movie worlds?"

Jie nodded, a look of understanding dawning on his face. "For 10 points, we can spend a day in a world we've already been to."

"Exactly," Jack continued. "I propose we gather our new weapons and armor, then spend a day in the Resident Evil world. We could clear out all the zombies in the Hive."

The group fell silent, considering the implications. Zheng was the first to speak up.

"In the Hive, there are Lickers too," he reminded them. "We barely survived our encounter with them last time."

Jack nodded grimly. "You're right. That's why we need to be better prepared this time. I suggest we add shotguns and grenades to our arsenal. They should be effective against the Lickers."

Len leaned forward, her brow furrowed in thought. "It's risky, but the potential payoff could be significant. How many points could we earn?"

Jie did some quick mental calculations. "If we clear out the entire Hive, we could potentially earn hundreds of points each. It would more than make up for what we've spent on the 3D printer and weapons."

"We'd need to train hard for the next few days," Jack added. "Get comfortable with our new weapons, work on our teamwork. I say we plan the mission for eight days from now. That gives us a week to prepare, plus an extra day for any last-minute adjustments."

The group exchanged looks, a mix of apprehension and determination on their faces. Finally, Zheng spoke for them all.

"I'm in," he said firmly. "We need those points, and this time, we'll be ready for whatever the Hive throws at us."

One by one, the others nodded their agreement. Jack felt a surge of relief and excitement. They had a plan.

"Alright then," he said, clapping his hands together. "Let's get to work. We've got a lot to do before we take on the Hive."

As the group dispersed to begin their preparations, Jack couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety. They were voluntarily walking back into a nightmare. But this time, they would be armed, armored, and prepared. This time, they would be the hunters, not the hunted.

He glanced at the 3D printer, still humming away in the corner. "We're going to need more ammo," he muttered to his clone, who nodded and began inputting new commands.

The next week would be grueling, but Jack was determined to make every moment count. Their survival in the upcoming scenario – and in the Hive – depended on it. With renewed purpose, he returned to his chakra control exercises. Every bit of strength, every new skill could make the difference between life and death.

As the day drew to a close, the atmosphere in the Light Sphere's hall had changed. There was a new energy, a sense of purpose that hadn't been there before. They had a mission now, a concrete goal to work towards. And in eight days, they would put everything on the line in the depths of the Hive.

Jack settled into his bed that night, his mind racing with plans and strategies. Tomorrow, the real work would begin. But for now, he allowed himself a small smile. They had taken control of their fate, and whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them head-on.

With that comforting thought, he drifted off to sleep, dreaming of victories yet to come.

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